Dog collar and lead 'should fit your breed'

Owners should make sure the dog collar and lead they buy their pooch fits their breed, it has been claimed.

Jacque Estes, in an article for The Daytona Beach News Journal, claims that comfort is very important when it comes to choosing a new collar, as there is no "one size fits all".

Ms Estes believes that size, width, fabric and style are the key factors to consider when it comes to investing in a new collar, rather than choosing one for its aesthetic value.

She wrote: "It is important to check the collar on a regular basis, for wear and size.

"Those that fit perfectly when you first bought them often stretch out making them looser or tighten in warmer months. When this happens with collars it increases the chances of your pet being able to slip out of the collar."

When it comes to dog leads, the style is important, with many people now opting for retractable leads that allow owners to give their dog more freedom.

However, Ms Estes warned that the further the distance the dog can go, the less immediate control the owner has over the dog.